Newsom's Record Raises Concerns for Democrats

California governor's policies on affordability, poverty, homelessness, and crime could be liabilities in a national campaign.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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In a column for The Press Democrat, New York Times columnist Bret Stephens argues that California Governor Gavin Newsom's record on key issues like affordability, poverty, homelessness, and crime could make him a risky choice as the Democratic Party's 2028 presidential nominee. Stephens cites data showing California's high cost of living, poverty rates, homelessness crisis, and other challenges that could be used against Newsom by Republican opponents.

Why it matters

As a prominent Democratic governor, Newsom is seen by some as a potential 2028 presidential contender. However, Stephens believes Newsom's record in California could make him a liability for the party, providing Republicans with ample ammunition to attack him on issues that are likely to be central in the next election cycle.

The details

Stephens highlights several aspects of Newsom's record that could be problematic, including California's high housing costs, poverty and income inequality rates, homelessness crisis, population decline, underperforming education system, high energy prices, and criminal justice policies that some view as soft on crime. He argues these issues could be effectively used against Newsom in a national campaign.

  • In 2024, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that California had the country's highest 'supplemental' poverty rate.
  • In 2022, the average income of the top 5% in California was nearly $600,000 higher than the average income of the bottom 20%.
  • In 2024, nearly 1 in 200 Californians were homeless on any given night, accounting for 44% of the nation's chronically homeless population.
  • Between April 2020 and July 2025, California had a total net loss of almost 1.3 million people who moved to other states.
  • In 2024, the average retail price for electricity in California was 27 cents per kilowatt-hour, more than twice the national average.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The current governor of California, who is seen by some as a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate.

Bret Stephens

A columnist for the New York Times who wrote the column criticizing Newsom's record in California.

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What they’re saying

“Democrats should be careful whom they crush on. Newsom's record as governor of California is a Republican strategist's perfect foil.”

— Bret Stephens, Columnist (The Press Democrat)

“Newsom bristles at what he calls the 'complete mythology' that he is soft on crime.”

— Bret Stephens, Columnist (The Press Democrat)

What’s next

As Newsom considers a potential 2028 presidential run, his record in California will likely face increased scrutiny from both Democrats and Republicans. The issues highlighted by Stephens, such as affordability, poverty, homelessness, and crime, could become central points of debate in any future national campaign.

The takeaway

Newsom's tenure as California governor has been marked by significant challenges, from high costs of living to persistent homelessness and crime. While he may be seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party, Stephens argues that Newsom's record could make him a risky choice as the party's 2028 presidential nominee, providing Republicans with ample ammunition to attack him on issues that are likely to be central in the next election cycle.